Upon the announcement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s election, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead bishop for the environment, commented:
“The election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is good news for nature and climate. He understands, through personal experience in South America, the frontline impact of climate change and nature loss. I am heartened that last November, Pope Leo, when still Cardinal Prevost, urged that it was time to move ‘from words to action’ and build a ‘relationship of reciprocity’ with the environment.
“To me, that shows a continuity with Pope Francis’ ecological vision in this encyclical Laudato Si, no doubt with a new style and focus of engagement. The new Pope will be much in my prayers as we strive to work ecumenically and with all people of good will to care for God’s creation.”